Well, activists in LA have sent me the following incredible email, which I think everyone should know about insofar as, when citizens get together, positive things can happen. So, I will allow those who did all the ground work in LA speak for themselves.

First, Liz Barris, activist extraordinaire:

In an incredible show of support for human health and life, Los Angeles Police yesterday stood together with fire fighters to get LA City Council (different than LA County Board of Supervisors) in a 12-0 unanimous NO for vote against LA RICS federal cell tower roll out! We must get ALL cities and counties in the state [California] and the US to follow their lead! Precedent has been set, this is DO-ABLE! Please see 12 year veteran, ex-Fire Captain, Don Wallace's note and please forward this email.

Ex-Fire Captain Don Wallace

Friends:

Sending this out to sort of closes this file but throw nothing away! I hope that the actual Council motion is the last communication required in this saga.

Thank you very much for your successful advocacy against LARics as foisted on an unaware community and unaware Firefighters by giant corporations hungry for profit and determined to avoid environmental scrutiny; abetted by Fire Chiefs lured by "our own free radio system" without a thought or care for the health and welfare of their brothers, never bothered to read the conflicting science on electromagnetic radiation and blithely encouraged the army of corporate consultants with their endorsement of this scam. Thanks to the political acumen of the City and County Firefighters and the REVOLT IN TOPANGA among the citizenry which generated the involvement of the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation and the ensuing REVOLT IN CORNELL we were able to prevail...? It is amazing what the community and the firefighters are able to accomplish together.

Hopefully the consultants will slink away to the dark hole from whence they spawned... but vast quantities of money are involved. The key word below is "suspend" THEY'LL BE BAAAAACK!

Centre nod to mega research on mobile radiation

The permission by the Union government’s department of science and technology will not affect research underway by Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre and the Indian Council of Medical Research.

MUMBAI: Sixteen leading scientific institutions across India have been allowed to conduct research on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly radiating from cell phone towers, on human health.

The permission by the Union government's department of science and technology will not affect research underway by Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre and the Indian Council of Medical Research.

"It is the first time the Indian government is going for a massive evaluation of the health aspects of mobile radiation," said sources in the mobile phone industry. The scientific institutions have been identified for support through a peer review process, primarily based on the competence of the individual researcher(s), their research track record, availability of infrastructure in the researcher's institute, etc.

The focus will be on the impact of EMF-related issues on the human body, including dosimetry (study of radiation absorbed by the body), brain-related effects, biochemical studies, effects on reproduction pattern, comparison of animal and human models, plant system, and remedial measures.

The 16 institutions include the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore; AIIMS, New Delhi and Uttarakhand; IITs in Kharagpur, New Delhi and Madras; and Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences in Andhra Pradesh.

World Health Organisation, which monitors such studies and releases periodic updates, had said in its October 2014 advisory: "A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use."

However, anti-radiation activists fear clusters of cell tower antennae close to residential buildings pose a major threat to health.

27 EMF studies by Dasdag & colleagues

After I distributed the abstract for the latest Dasdag et al. study, a colleague me to point out that this research group has been extremely productive over the past two decades.

A PubMed search revealed that along with his colleagues and students, Dr. Suleyman Dasdag, a professor in the Department of Biophysics at the Medical School of Dicle University in Turkey, has published (at least) 27 papers since 1995 on the effects of RF and ELF exposure on various endpoints in rats and humans.The abstracts for these 27 papers appear below. Only five studies failed to find any significant bio-effects.--

Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Erdal ME, Erdal N, Ay OI, Ay ME, Yilmaz SG, Tasdelen B, Yegin K. Int J Radiat Biol. 2015 Mar 16:1-26. [Epub ahead of print]PURPOSE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. However, their interaction with radiofrequencies is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the long term effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on some of the miRNAs in brain tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on sixteen Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation for 24 hours a day for twelve months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-107, miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail.

RESULTS: The results revealed that long term exposure of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radiation can alter expression of some of the miRNAs such as miR-106b-5p (adjP* = 0,010) and miR-107 (adjP* = 0,005). We observed that mir 107 expression is 3.3 times and miR-106b-5p expression is 3.65 times lower in the exposure group than in the control group. However, miR-9-5p, miR-29a-3p and miR-125a-3p levels in brain were not altered.

CONCLUSION: Long term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects such as neurodegenerative diseases originated from the alteration of some miRNAs expression and more studies should be devoted to the effects of RF radiation on miRNAs expression levels. --

PURPOSE: We still do not have any information on the interaction between radiofrequency radiation (RF) and miRNA, which play paramount role in growth, differentiation, proliferation and cell death by suppressing one or more target genes. The purpose of this study was to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long-term 900 MHz mobile phone exposure on some of the miRNA in brain tissue.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 14 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups: Sham (n = 7) and exposure (n = 7). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 900 MHz RF radiation for 3 h per day (7 days a week) for 12 months (one year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham group except the generator was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed. rno-miR-9-5p, rno-miR-29a-3p, rno-miR-106b-5p, rno-miR-107 and rno-miR-125a-3p in brain were investigated in detail.

Dasdag S, Yavuz I, Bakkal M, Kargul B. Oral Health Dent Manag. 2014 Sep;13(3):749-52.PURPOSE: Oral tissues are important parts of body that absorbs radiation emitted from mobile phones which is the most popular technological equipment in the world. Because of the limited studies in this field, we aimed to investigate the effect of Radio Frequency (RF) radiation emitted from 900 MHz mobile phones on the enamel micro hardness of rat teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on twenty one Wistar Albino adult male rats which were divided into two groups such as control and experiment groups. For the study group (n: 14), rats exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the control group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, enamel micro hardness of rat's teeth was measured.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 900 MHz RF radiation did not alter the enamel micro hardness of rats' teeth (p>0.05).

Dasdag S, Taş M, Akdag MZ, Yegin K. Electromagn Biol Med. 2015 Mar;34(1):37-42. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2013.869752. Epub 2014 Jan 24.The aim of this study was to investigate long-term effects of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) system on testes. The study was carried out on 16 Wistar Albino adult male rats by dividing them into two groups such as sham (n: 8) and exposure (n: 8). Rats in the exposure group were exposed to 2.4 GHz RFR radiation for 24 h/d during 12 months (1 year). The same procedure was applied to the rats in the sham control group except the Wi-Fi system was turned off. Immediately after the last exposure, rats were sacrificed and reproductive organs were removed. Motility (%), concentration (×10(6)/mL), tail defects (%), head defects (%) and total morphologic defects (%) of sperms and weight of testes (g), left epididymis (g), prostate (g), seminal vesicles (g) were determined. Seminiferous tubules diameter (μm) and tunica albuginea thickness (μm) were also measured. However, the results were evaluated by using Johnsen's score. Head defects increased in the exposure group (p < 0.05) while weight of the epididymis and seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules diameter and tunica albuginea thickness were decreased in the exposure group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). However, other alterations of other parameters were not found significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that long-term exposure of 2.4 GHz RF emitted from Wi-Fi (2420 μW/kg, 1 g average) affects some of the reproductive parameters of male rats. We suggest Wi-Fi users to avoid long-term exposure of RF emissions from Wi-Fi equipment.--Can safe and long-term exposure to extremely low frequency (50 Hz) magnetic fields affect apoptosis, reproduction, and oxidative stress?

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the present study, which were divided into three groups (sham group, n = 10, and two experimental groups, n = 10 for each group). Rats in the experimental group were exposed to 100 and 500 μT ELF-MF (2 h/day, 7 days/week, for 10 months) corresponding to exposure levels that are considered safe for humans. The same experimental procedures were applied to the sham group, but the ELF generator was turned off. Tissues from the testes were immunohistochemically stained for active (cleaved) caspase-3 in order to measure the apoptotic index by a semi-quantitative scoring system. The levels of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were also measured. Additionally, epididymal sperm count and sperm morphology was evaluated.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the reproductive and oxidative stress parameters between the sham group and the exposed groups (p > 0.05). While no difference was observed between the final apoptosis score of the sham and the 100 μT ELF-MF group (p > 0.05), the final apoptosis score was higher in the 500 μT ELF-MF exposure group than in the sham group (p < 0.05).

Tas M, Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Cirit U, Yegin K, Seker U, Ozmen MF, Eren LB. Electromagn Biol Med. 2014 Sep;33(3):216-22. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2013.801850. Epub 2013 Jun 19.The purpose of this study is to bridge this gap by investigating effects of long term 900 MHz mobile phone exposure on reproductive organs of male rats. The study was carried out on 14 adult Wistar Albino rats by dividing them randomly into two groups (n: 7) as sham group and exposure group. Rats were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from a GSM signal generator. Point, 1 g and 10 g specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of testis and prostate were found as 0.0623 W/kg, 0.0445 W/kg and 0.0373 W/kg, respectively. The rats in the exposure group were subject to RF radiation 3 h per day (7 d a week) for one year. For the sham group, the same procedure was applied, except the generator was turned off. At the end of the study, epididymal sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, abnormal sperm rate, all-genital organs weights and testis histopathology were evaluated. Any differences were not observed in sperm motility and concentration (p > 0.05). However, the morphologically normal spermatozoa rates were found higher in the exposure group (p < 0.05). Although histological examination showed similarity in the seminiferous tubules diameters in both groups, tunica albuginea thickness and the Johnsen testicular biopsy score were found lower in the exposure group (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, we claim that long-term exposure of 900 MHz RF radiation alter some reproductive parameters. However, more supporting evidence and research is definitely needed on this topic.--

Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Cakir DU, Yokus B, Kizil G, Kizil M. Electromagn Biol Med. 2013 Sep;32(3):363-72. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2012.721848. Epub 2013 Jan 16.Several studies still state that presently accepted safety standards for extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) do not provide adequate protection, and therefore the standards are still open to question. To help resolve this question, the aim of this study was to illuminate the interaction between biomolecules and ELF-MFs by investigating the effect of ELF-MFs on beta-amyloid protein (BAP), protein carbonyl (PC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat brain. For this study, 30 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, which were divided into two experimental groups and a sham exposed group. Rats in two experimental groups were exposed to 100- and 500-μT ELF-MFs (50 Hz) for 2 h/day for 10 months, which are the generally accepted safety standards for public and occupational exposures. The same procedures were applied to the rats in the sham group, but with the generator turned off. The results of this study showed that neither ELF-MFs used in this study altered BAP level significantly (p>0.05). However, PC and MDA levels were increased by the exposure to 100- and 500-μT ELF-MFs (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, both PC and MDA levels were altered by long-term exposure to either 100 or 500 μT ELF-MF. However, many further and more comprehensive studies will be required to elucidate the interaction mechanisms between ELF-MFs exposure and living organisms. --Effect of 900 MHz radio frequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the brain.

Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Kizil G, Kizil M, Cakir DU, Yokus B. Electromagn Biol Med. 2012 Mar;31(1):67-74. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2011.624654. Epub 2012 Jan 23.Recently, many studies have been carried out in relation to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (RF) emitted from a mobile phone on the brain. However, there is little data concerning possible mechanisms between long-term exposure of RF radiation and biomolecules in brain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate long-term effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation on beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde in the rat brain. The study was carried out on 17 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel were exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from a generator, simulating mobile phones. For the study group (n: 10), rats were exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n: 7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure and their brains were removed. Beta amyloid protein, protein carbonyl, and malondialdehyde levels were found to be higher in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. However, only the increase of protein carbonyl in the brain of rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation was found to be statistically significant (p<0 .001="" br="" nbsp="">0>In conclusion, 900 MHz radiation emitted from mobile/cellular phones can be an agent to alter some biomolecules such as protein. However, further studies are necessary.

Electromagnetic field (EMF) can affect cells due to biochemical change followed by a change in level of ions trafficking through membrane. We aimed to investigate possible changes in some elements in costa of rats exposed to long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF). Rats were exposed to 100 and 500 μT ELF-MF, which are the safety standards of public and occupational exposure for 2 h/day during 10 months. At the end of the exposure period, the samples of costa were taken from the rats exposed to ELF-MF and sham. The levels of elements were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Ca levels decreased in the ELF-500 exposure group in comparison to sham group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant decrease was found in Mg levels in the ELF-500 exposure group in comparison to sham and ELF-100 exposure groups (p < 0.05). Zn levels were found to be lower in the ELF-500 exposure group than those in the sham and ELF-100 exposure groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were determined between groups in terms of the levels of P, Cu and Fe.

In conclusion, it can be maintained that long-term ELF-MF exposure can affect the chemical structure and metabolism of bone by changing the levels of some important elements such as Ca, Zn and Mg in rats.

Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Erdal N, Buyukbayram H, Gurgul S. Electromagn Biol Med. 2010 Jun;29(1-2):9-18. doi: 10.3109/15368371003635343.Bone is composed of a mineral matrix reinforced by a network of collagen that governs the biomechanical functions of the skeletal system in the body. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possible effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on geometric and biomechanical properties of rats' bone. In this study, 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control sham. The first and second experimental group (n=10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (sham) (n=10) group was treated like experimental group except ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, geometric and the biomechanical properties of rats' bone, such as cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft, length of the femur, cortical thickness of the femur, ultimate tensile strength (maximum load), displacement, stiffness, energy absorption capacity, elastic modulus, and toughness of bone were determined. The geometric and biomechanical analyses showed that a significant decrease in rats exposed to 100 microT-MF in comparison to sham and 500 microT-MF exposed rats about the values of cross-sectional area of the femoral shaft (P<0 .05="" 100="" 500="" absorption="" and="" as:="" between="" biomechanical="" bone="" capacity="" compared="" comparison="" cortical="" decreased="" differences="" displacement="" each="" elastic="" endpoints="" energy="" exposed="" femur="" femurs="" found="" groups="" however="" in="" increased="" length="" load="" maximum="" mf-exposed="" microt-mf="" microt="" modulus="" mut-mf="" no="" of="" other="" p="" rats="" sham="" significant="" significantly="" stiffness="" such="" that="" the="" thickness="" to="" toughness="" were="" when="">0.05). 0>These experiments demonstrated that 100 microT-MF and 500 microT-MF can affect biomechanical and geometrical properties of rats' bone.--Effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on caspase activities and oxidative stress values in rat brain.

Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Ulukaya E, Uzunlar AK, Kurt MA, Taşkin A. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2010 Dec;138(1-3):238-49. doi: 10.1007/s12011-010-8615-3. Epub 2010 Feb 23.This study was aimed to investigate the effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on apoptosis and oxidative stress values in the brain of rat. Rats were exposed to 100 and 500 µT ELF-MF, which are the safety standards of public and occupational exposure for 2 h/day for 10 months. Brain tissues were immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3 in order to measure the apoptotic index by a semi-quantitative scoring system. In addition, the levels of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured in rat brain. Final score of apoptosis and MPO activity were not significantly different between the groups. CAT activity decreased in both exposure groups (p < 0.05), while TAC was found to be lower in ELF 500 group than those in ELF-100 and sham groups (p < 0.05). MDA, TOS, and OSI values were found to be higher in ELF-500 group than those in ELF-100 and sham groups (p < 0.05).In conclusion, apoptosis was not changed by long-term ELF-MF exposure, while both 100 and 500 µT ELF-MF exposure induced toxic effect in the rat brain by increasing oxidative stress and diminishing antioxidant defense system.--

Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Ulukaya E, Uzunlar AK, Ocak AR. Electromagn Biol Med. 2009;28(4):342-54. doi: 10.3109/15368370903206556.The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone exposure on glial cells in brain. The study carried out on 31 Wistar Albino adult male rats. The rat heads in a carousel exposed to 900 MHz microwave. For the study group (n:14), rats exposed to the radiation 2 h per day (7 days in a week) for 10 months. For the sham group (n:7), rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control (n:10), nothing applied to rats in this group. In this study, rats were euthanized after 10 months of exposure periods and brains were removed. Brain tissues were immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3, which is a well-known apoptosis marker, and p53. The expression of the proteins was evaluated by a semi-quantitative scoring system. However, total antioxidative capacity (TAC), catalase, total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index were measured in rat brain. Final score for apoptosis in the exposed group was significantly lower than the sham (p < 0.001) and the cage control groups (p < 0.01). p53 was not significantly changed by the exposure (p > 0.05). The total antioxidant capacity and catalase in the experimental group was found higher than that in the sham group (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). In terms of the TOS and oxidative stress index, there was no statistically significant difference between exposure and sham groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the final score for apoptosis, total antioxidant capacity and catalase in rat brain might be altered by 900 MHz radiation produced by a generator to represent exposure of global systems for mobile communication (GSM) cellular phones.--Extremely low frequency magnetic fields cause oxidative DNA damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: After exposure to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 100 and 500 microT, for 2 hours/day during 10 months), DNA was extracted, and measurement of DNA lesions was achieved by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

RESULTS: Levels of FapyAde, FapyGua and 8OHdG in DNA were increased by both 100 microT and 500 microT ELF-MF as compared to a cage-control and a sham group; however, statistical significance was observed only in the group exposed to 100 microT.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report that ELF-MF exposure generates oxidatively induced DNA base modifications which are mutagenic in mammalian cells, such as FapyGua, FapyAde and 8-OH-Gua, in vivo. This may explain previous studies showing DNA damage and genomic instability. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic exposure to 50-Hz MF may be potentially genotoxic. However, the intensity of ELF-MF has an important influence on the extent of DNA damage.

Yilmaz F, Dasdag S, Akdag MZ, Kilinc N. Electromagn Biol Med. 2008;27(1):65-72. doi: 10.1080/15368370701878978.The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein in rat brain and testes after whole-body exposure to radiation emitted from 900 MHz cellular phones. Two groups (sham and experimental) of Sprague-Dawley rats of eight rats each were used in the study. Exposure began approximately 10 min after transferring into the exposure cages, a period of time when rats settled down to a prone position and selected a fixed location inside the cage spontaneously. For the experimental group, the phones were in the speech condition for 20 min per day for 1 month. The same procedure was applied to the sham group rats, but the phones were turned off. Immunohistochemical staining of bcl-2 was performed according to the standardized avidin-biotin complex method. The results of this study showed that 20 min of the radiation emitted from 900 MHz cellular phones did not alter anti-apoptotic bcl-2 protein in the brain and testes of rats. We speculate that bcl-2 may not be involved in the effects of radiation on the brain and testes of rats.--Mobile phone exposure does not induce apoptosis on spermatogenesis in rats.

METHODS: The study was carried out on 31 Wistar albino adult male rats. The rats were separated into three groups in this study (cage control: 10, sham group: 7, and exposed group: 14). For the study group, rats were exposed to radiation 2 h/day (7 days/week) for 10 months. For the sham group, rats were placed into the carousel and the same procedure was applied except that the generator was turned off. For the cage control, nothing was applied to the rats in this group and they completed their life cycle in the cage during the study period. In this study, rats were sacrificed after 10 months of exposure and their testes were taken. Testes tissue was immunohistochemically stained for the active (cleaved) caspase-3. Positively stained cells were counted in up to ten different areas, and the frequency of positive cells was determined in percentage. Scoring was done by taking into account both the intensity of staining and the distribution of positively stained cells. Therefore, protein expression was evaluated by a semiquantitative scoring system.

RESULTS: The final score for apoptosis of testes in the exposed group was not statistically significant according to the sham and the cage control groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that 2 h/day (7 days/week) exposure of 900 MHz radiation over a period of 10 months does not affect the active (cleaved) caspase-3 levels in testes, a well-known feature of typical apoptosis.

Akdag MZ, Bilgin MH, Dasdag S, Tumer C. Electromagn Biol Med. 2007;26(2):99-106.The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible effect of an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on nitric oxide (NO) level. In this study, 27 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into three groups: two experimental and one control (sham-exposed). The first and second experimental group (n = 10) were exposed to 100 microT and 500 microT ELF-MF during 10 months, 2 h a day, respectively, and the third (n = 7) group was treated like an experimental group except for ELF-MF exposure in methacrylate boxes. After ELF-MF and sham exposure, serum nitrite levels were measured by Griess reaction. A significant reduction was observed in nitrite levels among the first and second experimental groups of rats and sham-exposed rats after exposure for 10 months, 2 h a day, to ELF-MF of 100 and 500 microT (p < 0.01). These results suggest that prolonged ELF-MF exposure at intensities of exposure limits, determined by ICNIRP for public and occupational, may reduce NO production probably affected by NO generation pathways.--Effect of ELF magnetic fields on lipid peroxidation, sperm count, p53, and trace elements.

Akdag MZ, Dasdag S, Aksen F, Isik B, Yilmaz F. Med Sci Monit. 2006 Nov;12(11):BR366-71. Some epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest a possible connection between extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields and certain illnesses, such as cancer, immune suppression, as well as reproductive toxic effects and abnormalities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ELF magnetic fields (1.35 mT) on sperm count, malondialdehyde concentration, the histology of such organs as the testes, brain, liver, and kidney tissues, p53 immunoreactivity of bone marrow, and the serum concentrations of Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, and Fe3+ in rats.

MATERIAL/METHODS: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into two groups. The rats in the experimental group were exposed to an ELF magnetic field 2 hr/day for 2 months (7 days a week). The rats in the control group were not exposed to the ELF magnetic field. The exposure was performed in a Faraday cage (130 x 65 x 80 cm) with grounded shielding against the electric component. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the statistical analysis of the data.

RESULTS: Magnetic field measurements showed that, under the experimental conditions, the magnetic field-exposure system produced a stable flux density of 1.35+/-0.018 mT and a stable frequency of 50 Hz, with negligible harmonics and no transients. However, no statistically significant alteration was observed in the parameters measured in this study except in Mn2+ concentrations (p<0 .001="" br="">CONCLUSIONS: The present study found no evidence of an adverse effect of ELF magnetic fields on the measured parameters except for significantly increased Mn2+ concentrations (p<0 .001="" br="">0>0>--

MATERIAL/METHODS: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups, one for 50 and the other for 100 days of exposure. Each group was further divided into two groups, one sham exposed (n=12) and the other the experimental group (n=12). The experimental rats were exposed to 50-Hz 1-mT ELFMF for three hours/day for 50 or 100 days. The sham groups of rats were kept under the same circumstances without applying ELFMF. Electron microscopic examination was performed to evaluate the ovaries and uterus.

RESULTS: Ultrastructural dissolution, decrease in cell organelles, cavities in cells, heterochromative appearance, and typical structural loss of the nucleus were observed in germinal epithelial cells of the rat ovaries in the 50-days ELFMF exposure group. Ultrastructural alterations in germinal epithelium and tunica albuginea of ovaries, irregularity in nucleus and nucleolus, increase in lipid vacuoles of cell cytoplasm and reduction in organelles were observed in rat ovaries in the 100-days ELFMF exposure group. Similar alterations were observed in uterus. Malondialdehyde concentration (MDA) of the ovaries and uterus increased in rats of the two exposure groups (p<0 .001="" br="">CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that 50 and 100 days of exposure to a 1-mT ELFMF can cause alterations at the cellular level and in MDA concentration.0>--

Oktay MF, Dasdag S. Electromagn Biol Med. 2006;25(1):13-21.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of radiation emitted by mobile phones on the hearing of users. The study was carried out on three groups: 1) 20 men who have used a cellular phone frequently and spoken approximately 2 h per day for four years; 2) 20 men who have used a cellular phone for 10-20 min per day for four years; and 3) 20 healthy men who have never used a cellular phone (the control group). Brainstem evoked response audiometric (BERA) and pure tone audiometric (PTA) methods were used to measure the effects of exposure on hearing function of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I-III, III-V, and I-V interpeak latencies were evaluated. Interpeak latency of subjects in two experimental groups was compared to that of subjects in the control group. The BERA results showed no differences among the groups (p > 0.05). In PTA measurements, detection thresholds at 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, and 8000 Hz frequencies were measured in all three groups. No differences were observed between moderate mobile phone users (10-20 min. per day) and control subjects. However, detection thresholds in those who talked approximately 2 h per day were found to be higher than those in either moderate users or control subjects. Differences at 4000 Hz for both bone and air conduction for right ears, and 500 Hz, and 4000 Hz bone and air conduction for left ears were significant for mean hearing threshold. This study shows that a higher degree of hearing loss is associated with long-term exposure to electromagnetic (EM) field generated by cellular phones.--

BACKGROUND: The effects of radio frequency (RF) and microwave radiation on humans have been the subject of continuous investigation. Clinical investigations related to occupational RF/microwave exposure have been reported by investigators (1). Since one of the major groups occupationally exposed to RF and microwave radiation includes those working in radio broadcasting and TV transmitter stations, this study investigates whether RF affects auditory systems of people exposed to RF.

METHODS: The study is carried out with people working in radio broadcasting stations and living in employee residential houses close to the broadcasting stations. All subjects in the control group were similar in age, work regime, socioeconomic status, and lack of experience in working with RF sources. Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometer (BERA) and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) were used to measure the effects of RF under investigation on hearing functions of the subjects. In BERA measurements, I-III, III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were evaluated. In pure tone audiometric measurements, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz frequencies of hearing threshold were measured in subjects of experimental and control groups. Interpeak latencies and bone conduction hearing thresholds of subjects in the experimental group were compared with those of the control group.

RESULTS: BERA results showed that I-III, I-V and III-V interpeak latencies of people occupationally exposed to RF were not higher than subjects in control groups (p>0.05). Results of BERA indicated no statistically significant differences between exposure and control subjects. In audiometric evaluation, hearing threshold of people occupationally exposed to RF were found higher than the control group subjects for frequencies of 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz in terms of bone and air conduction of right and left ear (p < 0.01).

Dasdag S, Zulkuf Akdag M, Aksen F, Yilmaz F, Bashan M, Mutlu Dasdag M, Salih Celik M. Bioelectromagnetics. 2003 Apr;24(3):182-8.The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from cellular phones on the lipid composition, malondialdehyde concentration, p53 immune reactivity, sperm count, morphology, histological structure of testes, and on rectal temperature of rats exposed to microwave radiation emitted from cellular phones. Sixteen Spraque-Dawley rats were separated into two groups of eight, sham exposed (control) and experimental. The rats were confined in plexiglas cages specially designed for this study, and cellular phones were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. For the experimental group, cellular phones were activated 20 min per day (7 days a week) for 1 month. For the control group, the cellular phones were placed beneath the cages for 20 min a day, but the phones were turned off. Rectal temperatures were measured weekly. For 250 mW radiated power, the whole body average SAR (rms) is 0.52 W/kg and 1 g averaged peak SAR (rms) is 3.13 W/kg. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for statistical comparisons of groups. No statistically significant alteration in any of the endpoints was noted. This study found no evidence suggesting an adverse effect of cell phone exposure on measures of testicular function or structure.--Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on hematologic and immunologic parameters in welders.

Dasdag S, Sert C, Akdag Z, Batun S. Arch Med Res. 2002 Jan-Feb;33(1):29-32.BACKGROUND: Electric arc welding is known to cause considerable exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Although some studies of exposure to magnetic fields and epidemiologic studies have included groups of welders, typically little information is available concerning the hematologic and immunologic effects of ELF electromagnetic fields on welders. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) emitted from electric arc welding affect some hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.

METHODS: The study was carried out on 16 male welders and 14 healthy males between 20 and 40 years of age from the same geographic area and with similar life styles. The following hematologic and immunologic parameters were measured in both groups: red blood cells (RBC); hemoglobin (Hgb); hematocrit (Hct); platelets (Plt); total white blood cells (WBC); neutrophils; lymphocytes; eosinophils; and CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8.

RESULTS: Some of the hematologic and immunologic parameters under investigation were similar in both groups. Although T lymphocyte surface antigens, such as levels of CD4 and CD8(,) were found to be lower in the welders than in the control subjects (p <0 .001="" 0.10="" 0.25="" and="" areas="" be="" between="" br="" clinically="" control="" differences="" electromagnetic="" elf="" field="" found="" hematocrit="" higher="" however="" in="" intensities="" levels="" mt.="" not="" observed="" of="" p="" significant.="" subjects="" than="" the="" those="" to="" varied="" welders="" welding="" were="">CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ELF electromagnetic fields do not affect the hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.0>--Whole-body microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones and testicular function of rats.

Dasdag S, Ketani MA, Akdag Z, Ersay AR, Sari I, Demirtas OC, Celik MS. Urol Res. 1999 Jun;27(3):219-23.This study investigated whether there are adverse effects due to microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones in male rats. Eighteen Wistar Albino rats were separated into three groups, a sham group and two experimental groups. The rats were confined in Plexiglas cages and cellular phones were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. In the first experimental group, cellular phones were in standby position for 2 h. In the second experimental group, phones were turned to the speech position three times each for 1 min duration over 2 h. Rats in the first and second experimental groups were exposed to microwaves emitted by phones for 2 h/day for a duration of 1 month. After the last exposure the rats were killed. Brain, eyes, ears, liver, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, testes, small and large intestines and skin of the rats were observed histologically. The decrease of epididymal sperm counts in the speech groups were not found to be significant (P > 0.05). Differences in terms of normal and abnormal sperm forms were not observed (P > 0.05). Histological changes were especially observed in the testes of rats of the speech groups. Seminiferous tubular diameter of rat testes in the standby and speech groups was found to be lower than the sham group (P < 0.05). Rectal temperatures of rats in the speech group were found to be higher than the sham and standby groups (P < 0.05). The rectal temperatures of rats before and after exposure were also found to be significantly higher in the speech group (P < 0.05). Specific absorption rate (SAR) was determined as 0.141 W/kg.--Do radiofrequency radiation affect the auditory system of people with occupational exposure?Meriç F, Daşdağ S, Vergili K. Environ Health Prev Med. 1998 Apr;3(1):55-8. doi: 10.1007/BF02931240.The present study intended to investigate whether radiofrequency (RF) affects auditory system of people who are occupationally exposed to RF in terms of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or not. The study was carried out on 31 men from 26 to 53 years of age. All of them have been working in the Diyarbakir Radio Broadcasting Station. On the other hand, the control group was based on 30 unexposed voluntary and healthy men. The range of age for control group was the same as in the exposed group (experimental group). The results of the present study showed that the incidence of NIHL in the exposed group is more and more than that of the unexposed (control) group. The incidence of NIHL was approximately found 70 % for exposed group and 6% for unexposed group. The difference of the incidence of NIHL between exposed and unexposed groups were statistically found significant for right and left ears at "4 kHz notch" (p < 0.001). Hearing loss was not observed below 1 kHz. The percentage difference in the incidence of hearing loss (decibel) between control and experimental group was found insignificant for frequency below 1 kHz (p > 0.05). The experimental group was also divided to three subgroups of technicians, officers and men staying in the quarters of radio broadcasting station. Three subgroups were compared with one another statistically. The incidence of NIHL for the right ears of technicians was found higher than the officer (p < 0.05). The incidence of NIHL for the left ears of men staying in quarters was found higher than officers (p < 0.05). The other results of comparison were found insignificant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the incidence of NIHL at "4 kHz Notch" in the experimental group was found more common than the control group.--

Inalöz SS, Aksünger A, Sari I, Daşdağ S, Deveci E. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 1997 Jul-Aug;41(4):240-3.The cataractogenic effects of the microwave oven on rat eyes were investigated histologically. Twenty-one adult Wistar-Albino rats (2-2.5 months old) were divided into three groups (n = 7): a control group (sham-exposed) and two experimental groups. The experimental rats was confined in special cages and placed next to the closed door of a microwave oven. The first experimental group was given 15 minutes of daily exposure and the second, 30 minutes, for 1 month. Biomicroscopic examination detected no pathological damage to the lens in the experimental rats. Histologically, there was a lens of single-layered epithelium in the control group. In the first experimental group, there was slight pleomorphism in the superficial epithelial cell contours and vacuolizations in the lens fibers; the second experimental group, had pronounced pleomorphism and pyknosis of the nuclei in the superficial epithelium. Some of the superficial epithelial cells had disappeared and were histologically observed as acellular areas. Single-layered epithelium became disorganized and formed multilayered epithelial groups in the superficial epithelium. Vacuolization was more prominent in this group. Personal exposure from microwave ovens is generally minimal because of the rapid decrease in power density with distance. Microwave oven users do not normally stand as close to the oven as the rats in our study were placed; therefore, it is difficult to suggest that microwave ovens always have cataractogenic effects on human eyes.--Acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and newborn rat brains.

Inalöz SS, Daşdağ S, Ceviz A, Bilici A. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1997;24(4):215-9.The present article was intended to investigate the possible effects of the acceptable radiation leakage of microwave ovens on pregnant and new-born rat brains. Twenty-seven pregnant Wistar-albino rats were separated into three groups (n = 9), a control group (sham-exposed) and two experimental groups. The experimental gravid rats were confined in Plexiglas cages and placed next to the closed door of a microwave oven (power-output: 550 W). The NIR 15 (NIR: non-ionising radiation) group of gravid rats were exposed to the leakage of microwave ovens daily for 15 minutes whereas the NIR 30 group was exposed daily for 30 minutes during their pregnancies. The most striking changes were observed in the NIR 30 group of rats. Congestive vessels, edema and degenerative neurones were noticed in all experimental dams. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, and focal necrosis of neurones were seen only in the NIR 30 group of dams. Progressive edema and conspicuous congestive vessels were seen in the offspring of both experimental groups. Chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, haemorrhage, necrotic neural tissues, and degenerative neurones with a reactive glial proliferation were observed only in the offspring of the NIR 30 groups.--Effect of microwaves on survival of some bacterial strains.

Atmaca S, Akdag Z, Dasdag S, Celik S. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. 1996;43(4):371-8.While the inhibitory effect of microwave radiation on microorganisms is being researched intensively, how microwave radiation brings about this effect has been a matter of discussion. Some researchers support that this effect is of a thermal character, whereas some others maintain a non-thermal effect. In this work, 1 ml suspensions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas acidovorans staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria were subjected to microwave radiation at 2450 MHz and 550 Watts for periods of 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25 and 30 seconds. When each result was compared with the CFU/ml results obtained from unradiated control group bacterial suspensions derived from stock cultures, significant conclusions were attained (P < 0.001). The same experiments were repeated with the application of conventional heating. The difference between the CFU/ml values of similar bacterial suspensions subjected to microwave radiation and conventional heating was significant (P < 0.001). Concurrently, the fact that the effect was exacerbated upon increasing of liquid volume during the application of microwave radiation was established via the results obtained through the application of microwave radiation to 1 ml and 5 ml bacterial suspensions (P < 0.001).

-- Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., DirectorCenter for Family and Community HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of California, Berkeley

Thursday, April 02, 2015

Noam Chomsky: In ‘Free’ Countries, Unpopular Ideas Can Be Suppressed Without the Use of Force

Posted on Apr 2, 2015

In conversation with The Nation’s John Nichols at the Tucson Festival of Books in Arizona in March, Noam Chomsky discusses income inequality, media, democracy and activism, among many other topics. One of the highlights of the clip comes when the renowned linguist paraphrases George Orwell’s virtually unread introduction to “Animal Farm” to explain how listening to the media, which are owned by the wealthy, and receiving a “good education” can suppress free thought.

CONCLUSION: The results support that chronic electromagnetic field exposure may cause damage by leading to neuronal degeneration of the auditory system.

OBJECTIVES: Numerous researches have been done about the risks of exposure to the electromagnetic fields that occur during the use of these devices, especially the effects on hearing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the mobile phones through the electrophysiological and histological methods.

METHODS: Twelve adult Wistar albino rats were included in the study. The rats were divided into two groups of six rats. The study group was exposed to the electromagnetic waves over a period of 30 days. The control group was not given any exposure to the electromagnetic fields. After the completion of the electromagnetic wave application, the auditory brainstem responses of both groups were recorded under anesthesia. The degeneration of cochlear nuclei was graded by two different histologists, both of whom were blinded to group information.

RESULTS: The histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis showed neuronal degeneration signs, such as increased vacuolization in the cochlear nucleus, pyknotic cell appearance, and edema in the group exposed to the electromagnetic fields compared to the control group. The average latency of wave in the ABR was similar in both groups (p > 0.05).http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25836770

For some time it has been investigated whether low-intensity non-thermal microwave radiation from mobile phones adversely affects the mammalian blood-brain barrier (BBB). All such studies except one have been either in vitro or experimental animal studies. The one carried out on humans showed a statistically significant increase in serum transthyretin (TTR) 60 min after finishing of a 30-min microwave exposure session. The aim of the present study was to follow up on the finding of the previous one using a better study design.

Using biomarkers analyzed in blood serum before and after the exposure this single blinded randomized counterbalanced study, including 24 healthy subjects aged 18-30 years that all underwent three exposure conditions (SAR10G=2W/kg, SAR10G=0.2W/kg, sham), tested whether microwaves from an 890-MHz phone-like signal give acute effects on the integrity of brain-shielding barriers.

Over time, statistically significant variations were found for two of the three biomarkers (TTR; β-trace protein); however, no such difference was found between the different exposure conditions nor was there any interaction between exposure condition and time of blood sampling.

In conclusion this study failed to show any acute clinically or statistically significant effect of short term microwave exposure on the serum levels of S100β, TTR and β-trace protein with a follow up limited to two hours. The study was hampered by the fact that all study persons were regular wireless phone users and thus not naïve as to microwave exposure.

• This single blinded randomized counterbalanced study tested whether short term exposure to an 890-MHz phone-like signal affects the integrity of brain-shielding barriers.

• The study had multiple exposure conditions and included 24 healthy subjects aged 18–30 years.

• Biomarkers analyzed in blood serum before and after the three different exposure conditions were used to evaluate potential effects.

• The study failed to show any clinically or statistically significant effect of short term microwave exposure on the serum levels of S100β, TTR and β-trace protein with a follow up limited to two hours.

There is to date an almost complete lack of human studies. Our group has published three on the matter (Soderqvist et al., 2009b,a, 65 c) but because of methodological limitations neither is conclusive as to risk assessment. Additionally in this context it should be mentioned that the BBB is not the only barrier that serves to protect the brain and maintain an optimal CNS function. Albeit, a higher permeability than the BBB the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) has an equally important role ...

Participants underwent three trials with at least one week in between. At each trial one hour of exposure was given in a randomized counter balanced fashion at the following intensities:

(1) SAR10g 2 watt/kg; (2) SAR10g 0.2 watt/kg; (3) sham/no exposure. Each participant acted as his or her own control and blood was taken at: (a) arrival; (b) 30 min of rest; (c) 1 h of rest; (d) immediately after 1 h of exposure/sham; (e) 1 h after finishing of the exposure; (f) 2 h after finishing of the exposure. Note that thefirst two samples were taken for habituation purposes.

The radiofrequency signal was generated with a GSM-test phone (Ericsson GH 337) using an 890-MHz carrier frequency with a pulse repetition time of 4.61 ms (217 Hz) and pulse duration of 0.577 ms. No DTX was used during active exposure. The signal was fed via an amplifier 240 (Ophir 5802064) to an indoor base station antenna; hence, a larger area of the head was exposed than from use of a mobile phone ...

Two identical antennas were used, one mounted on each side of the participant’s head at a distance of 4 cm from the ear ...

Trials were carried out in a room with low-frequency electric (E), magnetic (B) and RF backgrounds low enough to be considered negligible ...

... we compared the biomarker levels of those who had used a wireless phone the day before the trial with those who had not but found no statistically significantdifference between the groups (data not in table). It might also be of relevance to the detection of possible effects that all subjects in the study reported regular (more or less daily) use of a wireless phone. Thus they had been chronically exposed to RF EMF and as such may not be the ideal group for study. Additional exposure during 1 h as in this study might not be sufficient to exert an effect in this group of young and healthy persons. A linear dose-response effect might not exist as pointed out by Salford et al. (2012) which further complicates the conclusions of our used experimental method.

Conclusion

This study failed to show any clinically or statistically significant effect of short term microwave exposure on the serum levels of S100b, TTR and b-trace protein. This means that the finding of higher TTR concentration 60 min after finishing of the microwave exposure in our previous study (Soderqvist et al., 2009b) mostlikely was not due to microwave exposure.

---

There were some methodologic differences in the prior randomized trial conducted by this research team (Soderqvist et al, 2009). The prior study used a cell phone setup that exposed the temporal area of the head to 1.0W/kg, as measured over any 1 g of contiguous tissue (SAR1G). The antenna was mounted on the side of the head the subject usually held their phone while talking. The antenna was placed 8.5cm from the ear.

Whether low-intensity non-thermal microwave radiation alters the integrity of the blood-brain barrier has been debated since the late 1970s, yet no experimental study has been carried out on humans. The aim of this study was to test, using peripheral markers, whether exposure to a mobile phone-like signal alters the integrity of the human blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers. A provocation study was carried out that exposed 41 volunteers to a 30 min GSM 890 MHz signal with an average specific energy absorption rate distribution of 1.0 W/kg in the temporal area of the head as measured over any 1g of contiguous tissue. The outcome was assessed by changes in serum concentrations of two putative markers of brain barrier integrity, S100B and transthyretin. Repeated blood sampling before and after the provocation showed no statistically significant increase in the serum levels of S100B, while for transthyretin a statistically significant increase was seen in the final blood sample 60 min after the end of the provocation as compared to the prior sample taken immediately after provocation (p=0.02). The clinical significance of this finding, if any, is unknown. Further randomized studies with use of additional more brain specific markers are needed.

--

Joel M. Moskowitz, Ph.D., DirectorCenter for Family and Community HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of California, Berkeley

Lloyd’s Won’t Discuss Their New EMF Exclusion Clause

Last week, a couple of blogs noted that a recent commercial liability insurance renewal policy issued through a Lloyd’s of London underwriter contained a liability exclusion clause about electromagnetic fields.

The clause excludes any compensation for claims:

“directly or indirectly arising out of, resulting from or contributed to by electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetism, radio waves or noise.”

It is important that “radio waves” are explicitly included as they, specifically the microwave zone, are what enable wireless communications devices like cell phones, wi-fi, cordless phones etc.

After the policy holder made an inquiry seeking clarification about the exclusion language, CFC Underwriting LTD in London, the UK agent for Lloyd’s, sent the following:

“The Electromagnetic Fields Exclusion (Exclusion 32) is a General Insurance Exclusion and is applied across the market as standard. The purpose of the exclusion is to exclude cover for illnesses caused by continuous long-term non-ionising radiation exposure i.e. through mobile phone usage.”

Sharon Noble, Director of the Coalition to Stop Smart Meter Harm in British Columbia (Canada) brought the clause and CFC’s response to public attention.

My interpretation of this revealing statement is that CFC Underwriting, and perhaps all of “the market” is that the time has come to hedge against a future surge in “illnesses caused by continuous long-term non-ionising radiation exposure i.e. through mobile phone usage.” Why else would they refuse coverage “across the market as standard.”?

“Unfortunately, Lloyd’s doesn’t have a spokesperson who can talk about this so we’re going to have to decline.”

Lloyd’s of London describes itself as “the world’s specialist insurance market,” and they’ve insured and paid on a variety of unusual risks and catastrophic claims. Unlike many other insurance brands, Lloyd’s is not a company; it’s “a market where our members join together as syndicates to insure risks.” What they insure falls into seven broad categories: casualty, property, marine, energy, motor, aviation and reinsurance.

Reinsurance is the key here, as, among other things, it serves “to protect an insurer against very large claims.” Think tobacco, asbestos and climate change. And microwave radiation apparently, even though regulatory and health agencies around the world refuse to accept RF exposure as causing illness.

I was seriously intrigued at all of this and emailed an inquiry to the Lloyd’s press center stating that I wanted some more details about the exclusion. I told them that as I primarily produce radio, I’d want to capture the conversation on tape, but would also be happy to talk with someone off tape, but on the record.

Two hours later, I received a response from a woman at Prosek Partners, “a communications consultancy that delivers an unexpected level of passion, creativity and marketing savvy,” which apparently handles such issues for Lloyd’s. She wanted to know more about what exactly I was seeking and asked if I would “mind expanding on your request a bit?” so she could best determine how to help me. I obliged, sending back “Basically I’m interested in the 5 Ws, but why especially. I’d also like to how widely the exclusion is being replicated in Lloyd’s policies. Is there any sense internally at Lloyd’s about this being a first step that is likely to be copied industry wide? Was there any conversation pre/post release of the exclusion language with any wireless industry businesses?”

This afternoon (she apologized for the 24 hour ‘delay’) she wrote back to tell me “Unfortunately, Lloyd’s doesn’t have a spokesperson who can talk about this so we’re going to have to decline.”

Now I’m used to rejection as a reporter, but I couldn’t quite believe this and told her so in my reply, mentioning that their refusal to talk about the policy change would possibly “draw attention away from more important aspects of the story.”

The takeaway here is that the Lloyd’s, the world’s largest insurance market place has “across the market” not only refused to provide coverage for any claims arising from exposure to cell phones, wi-fi or any other source of electromagnetic frequency radiation, but also refused to answer a media inquiry about why, claiming that there is no one “who can.” Hmmm…

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About Me

While I have always been extremely health conscious and am presently in excellent health, I did become temporarily out-of-commission (i.e. I was really sick) in 2005 with a number of at the time unexplainable symptoms. I was quite puzzled at the time because I had been eating mainly organically grown food, drinking spring water, doing Yoga every morning, and going to the gym several times a week. In other words, I was doing everything one is supposed to do to stay healthy. I was not supposed to get sick. It took me six months before discovering or even imagining the main source of the problem - which was in fact "overexposure to electromagnetic" - especially microwave - radiation. I was living within 200 meters of two cell phone towers at the time and within 500 meters of a 3rd one with numerous WiFi signals bleeding into my apartment from adjacent neighbors. I developed a host of symptoms, which are found in what has been misleadingly described as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) -- but much more accurately described as Radio Wave or Microwave Sickness. Large numbers of people in the USA suddenly started getting sick in 1984...